Livsmening, krise og optimisme under COVID-19-epidemiens første nedlukning

Abstract

This article investigates how the lockdown during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic affected the Danish population existentially in terms of experienced meaning in life or crisis of meaning, and whether specific socio-demographic characteristics and mental health were associated with these existential factors. The study finds that a majority of Danes express hope and trust in secular resources such as science, authorities, and humanity. This was also prevalent among participants who described themselves as religious. One-fourth of participants reported experiencing increased meaning in life, while another fourth reported experiencing a crisis of meaning. Especially young participants reported increased meaningfulness, but also higher crisis of meaning. Reporting a crisis of meaning was moderately associated with poorer mental health, as well as fear of contamination and lower education and income. This may indicate that individuals having fewer socio-economic resources are more vulnerable in a crisis like this.